I recently ran accross a Layout planning Program called DRail. I found it to be
I will leave the link for any interested parties
www.drail.net./index_en.html
I hope that you fid it as useful as I have. And no I don't work for the Company...LOL I just happen to like the program
Well, like I always say, when in doubt, read the directions
!!! I figured out how to make the software "English" today, spent some time with the manual, and bought it!!!! I'm with Subwayaz on this one. Having used Xtrakcad and RTS freeware in the past I basically gave up trying to plan electronically. And I wasn't willing to spend the money (or time) required for the more elaborate packages. In a couple hours I did a complete design of a 6 track hidden staging yard for my new empire, including designations of power zones and complete material list using Kato Unitrack. The only quirk so far is I am having trouble joining one of the not-perfect dimensional connections between two tracks. Otherwise, everything about it is easier than what I have used.
Thanks for the suggestion Subwayaz!!!!!
Kerry
I think you have to set the tolerance bigger, so it will make the connection, then once connected you can set the tolerance back to what it was...
Remember seeing this in the instructions I perused online.
Hi Bryan,
Thanks for the suggestion! Actually I tried this already to no avail. I sent it off to Drail, and promptly got the plan back (fixed) with an explanation which I can't replicate. I'm certain its just "slow me"!. The really good news is I got two different responses from them in one day. I wish I could get that level of support from almost any other computer software/hardware vendor. I am really glad I got this suggestion for this software as it has proven to be exactly what I needed (very intuitive interface and "enough" complexity to generate a 2d plan with elevations based on manufacturer's own track CAD files). What I did in a couple hours yesterday (using the software for the first time) took me 2-3 times that effort with the freeware I had used. I began the main train room plan today (with exact matching dimensional cooridnates of my off-scene hidden staging yard). I'm quite pumped, as I can actually see a quick road to finally putting my vision to paper. This has trully been a hang up for me for at least a couple years from progressing to "build stage".
Kerry
Well, like I always say, when in doubt, read the directions
Thanks for the suggestion Subwayaz!!!!!
Kerry
Glad it worked out for ya Kerry :) it has for me, & much easier than the other programs
kerry wrote:Well, like I always say, when in doubt, read the directions
Thanks for the suggestion Subwayaz!!!!!
Kerry
Indeed it has!!!! Can't thank you enough for the suggestion. I am finally moving to fill the ready-to-go train room. I'll show off the final plan when near completion.
Kerry
Glad it worked out for ya Kerry :) it has for me, & much easier than the other programs
YES!
>smiling< That's a pretty strong endorsement.
Seeing as this software was authored in Dutch, how is the English documentation?
a.) Perfect English; easy to comprehend, succinct?
b.) Comprehendible instuctions
c.) May just as well have been written by an Alien (non-Earthling)
kerry wrote:YES!>smiling< That's a pretty strong endorsement.
Seeing as this software was authored in Dutch, how is the English documentation?
a.) Perfect English; easy to comprehend, succinct?
b.) Comprehendible instuctions
c.) May just as well have been written by an Alien (non-Earthling)
As Bryan said, perfectly comprehensible. I have now exchanged 4 emails with them and all responses were in as good (or better) grammar than my own. If you're interested, the manual is on-line at their site, along with a download of the whole software package which allows you to install 50 pieces of track. I warn you though. Once you install the 50 pieces (which you'll find to be a snap) you'll be ready to buy. They accept PayPal, BTW, which made the purchase quick and easy for me.......
On another note, the "quirk" I initially identified was nothing more than pilot error (and the only case of this I've run into so far). I was trying to install a piece of track into a spot that was out-of-range for a good fit (this range is easily adjustable too). Anyway, they walked me through it and gave me a couple more useful tips along the way. As of last night, I completed my hidden staging track area and got a good start on the main train room (11'x16'). This is good stuff IMO, and the company couldn't be easier to deal with....
Kerry
Seeing as this software was authored in Dutch, how is the English documentation?
As Bryan said, perfectly comprehensible. I have now exchanged 4 emails with them and all responses were in as good (or better
My endorsement is unqualified but after reading all the DRail's support forums, I heartily agree with Bryan and Kerry's assessment of the English documentation. The software's developer (David) has a near-perfect command of the Enlish language. He's easily the equal of any n scale poster to any n scale forum I've read in the past 10 years excepting maybe three or four n scalers who are professional writers.
Through observation I feel I'm qualified to endorse the developer's reliability and enthusiasm for his product. He's very prompt in answering questions AND clarifying those questions - a tremendous benefit to the users who have a variety of native languages.
I'm anxious to see Atlas' new version of RTS. I'm dubious if it can come anywhere near DRail in quality and remain Freeware.
I'll wait to commit until any track design program offers the ability to be pasted into a Google Sketchup file, and viewed in 3D from any angle/attitude/altitude.
Add to that the ability to 'operate' trains on the mockup 3D layouts, and within a few years, we'll see hobbyists abandoning real layouts in favor of self-designed cyber layouts.
...Add to that the ability to 'operate' trains on the mockup 3D layouts, and within a few years, we'll see hobbyists abandoning real layouts in favor of self-designed cyber layouts.
3rdPlanIt already does this... you can plan/build your layout in 3D, then operate trains on it... even build your own locos, rollingstock, etc.
Bryan
Dang, this sure is great software. Allows you to put thoughts to paper quickly, rather than fiddling with the computer....
Here is my preliminary plan for the staging yard and train room done with DRail. I exported the file to a .jpg format, so sorry if it is a little on the "small side"
Kerry
[G2:49164][G2:49168]
Add to that the ability to 'operate' trains on the mockup 3D layouts, and within a few years, we'll see hobbyists abandoning real layouts in favor of self-designed cyber layouts.
There's already a lot of this going on, and with software a lot better-looking than XCadTrk or the very over-priced (IMHO) 3DPlanIt. It's called "Trainz", by Auran Games out of Australia. That has a HUGE following, and is mind-bogglingly detailed -- both visually and with sound effects. http://www.auran.com/trainz. For all of its rich detail, I do have a few complaints about how that software works, and I've set out writing my own similar software (I'm a programmer by profession).
However, in favor of REAL, non-cyber layouts, I will say this: Sometimes you just can't beat it. There's something to be said for getting away from the computer and enjoying the tactile, physical nature of modeling. Even once I complete my own train sim software, I expect I'll "play" just as much with my N-scale layout as I will my virtual layouts. When I want realistic physics and 100-car trains, I go to the computer. When I'm sick of staring at the screen but still want to do railroading, I turn to the N-scale.
Not to mention my wife, who has no real love of computers, thoroughly enjoys working with the N-scale models as well. It's something we can do together
I've been usung RTS for a couple of years and still have not mastered the use of flex track and several of the advanced functions. To be honest I haven't tried as hard as I should have. But I mastered enough to design layout using just the standard cd80 track. It is a bit complicated and had (for me) a long learning curve.
If Drail is much easier to use than RTS I would be willing to try it. Especially since it's not that expensive.
Thanks for the info.
See ya
Ron
I've been usung RTS for a couple of years and still have not mastered the use of flex track and several of the advanced functions. To be honest I haven't tried as hard as I should have. But I mastered enough to design layout using just the standard cd80 track. It is a bit complicated and had (for me) a long learning curve.
If Drail is much easier to use than RTS I would be willing to try it. Especially since it's not that expensive.
Thanks for the info.
See ya
Ron
I can vouch for the fact that Drail is easier than RTS. I was never able to complete a layout with RTS7.0; but have had no problem rite off the Bat with Drail, and for the price it's worth it. A lot less agravation. Decisions with designing a layout are enough, without the program making it anymore dificult.
MRR is a hobby it should ALWAYS be FUN <;)
sootower wrote:Add to that the ability to 'operate' trains on the mockup 3D layouts, and within a few years, we'll see hobbyists abandoning real layouts in favor of self-designed cyber layouts.There's already a lot of this going on, and with software a lot better-looking than XCadTrk or the very over-priced (IMHO) 3DPlanIt. It's called "Trainz", by Auran Games out of Australia. That has a HUGE following, and is mind-bogglingly detailed -- both visually and with sound effects. http://www.auran.com/trainz. For all of its rich detail, I do have a few complaints about how that software works, and I've set out writing my own similar software (I'm a programmer by profession).
However, in favor of REAL, non-cyber layouts, I will say this: Sometimes you just can't beat it. There's something to be said for getting away from the computer and enjoying the tactile, physical nature of modeling. Even once I complete my own train sim software, I expect I'll "play" just as much with my N-scale layout as I will my virtual layouts. When I want realistic physics and 100-car trains, I go to the computer. When I'm sick of staring at the screen but still want to do railroading, I turn to the N-scale.
Not to mention my wife, who has no real love of computers, thoroughly enjoys working with the N-scale models as well. It's something we can do together
I have been a fan of Auran 3D trainz, however last year about November Auran has been having problems. Like fired alot of there employees that worked the 3D trainz program. Just check their Forum for the program and you'll see what I mean. Yes I agree the program still works fine but if not there is no support what so ever. And by the posts I've read doesn't look like there's any hope for any improvement.
And i'm no programmer by any stretch, however i'm quite computer literate, and a consumer/user of many of these programs and that is how I get my opinion. By using the programs and going with my gut and Asprin bottle. The less I use the Asprin to design my layout or have fun the more i'm incline to indorse a program.
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